Birth

Enlistment Information

Military Service

Embarkation Information

Military Awards

Death

Biographical Notes

David Smith Laing Keay was born on 21 September 1891 at Timaru, the third son of John and Christina Binnie (nee Smart) Keay. John and Christina, who both hailed from Scotland, married in 1880 at Knox Church, Dunedin. The first five of their ten children were born in Otago. David, the sixth child, was born after the move to Timaru. The two eldest children started their schooling at Port Chalmers. When the family moved to Timaru in October 1890, they transferred to Timaru Main School. David joined them at Timaru Main a few days after his fifth birthday. There, he received Standard I certificate of merit, 1st class, in December 1900. “The prizes were, as usual, given away in the large infant room, which was very prettily decorated, and with a cool breeze from the sea coming in at the eastern windows, thoroughly ventilated.” He was awarded a First-Class certificate again the next year. “The long four-desk and five-form gallery was crowded with boys and girls, all in their school best, and they presented a very pretty sight.” At the annual break-up ceremony and distribution of prizes, at the Timaru Main School on 14 December 1905, the most important decoration at the outset was “the long tables loaded with the prizes, books in attractive bindings, and carefully selected as to contents; work boxes and baskets, and most valuable but inconspicuous among the bulkier books, jewellers’ cases containing gold and silver medals for the superior prizes.” D. Keay was the recipient of a Technical Association Prize for woodwork.

At the annual meeting for Timaru Main School in April 1904, it was reported that the “new janitor, Mr Keay, entered upon his duties at the beginning of the year, and has given unqualified satisfaction, his kindly interest in the children, and ready assistance in everything connected with the school, being greatly appreciated.” The new janitor was John Keay senior. At the 1906 annual meeting, Mr Keay was thanked for the thorough manner in which his duties had been performed. In December of the same year, Mr Keay, the janitor, was voted a special donation of £1 from the committee, in recognition of his excellent services in connection with the garden party. The committee would also again express it appreciation, at the 1907 annual meeting, of the services of the janitor, Mr Keay, “who has always performed his duties in a painstaking and highly satisfactory manner.” At a function in December 1909, opportunity was also taken by the staff of “marking their appreciation of the many kindnesses shown them by Mr and Mrs Keay, the headmaster presenting them with a handsome piece of silverware, as a gift from the teachers.” When school committee members visited the school on its opening for the 1914 year, it was reported that the school had never looked better or cleaner than it was at that time. The outhouses were also nice and clean and also the gardens and grounds. The visitors had not been better satisfied on any visit to the school, and it was a credit to Mr Keay, the janitor.

In May 1909, D. Keay was selected to represent Te Rangi in their hockey match against Temuka. It was tennis that D. Keay was playing in November 1911 – for Te Kara Club against Waimataitai Wesley Club. Mr and Mrs John Keay and family, including their son David, belonged to the Salvation Army. One of the best open-air municipal concerts given by the Salvation Army Band occurred in the Alexandra Square rotunda in mid-January 1913. A particularly good item was the quartet “Clouds and Sunshine,” which was well played by Bandmaster Hawkey, Deputy-Bandmaster Keay, and Bandsmen D. Keay and Baker.

Prior to enlistment, on 11 August 1914 at Timaru, David S. L. Keay was a clerk for C.F.C.A. Ltd. He was one of many keen and determined applicants at the Drill Shed on 11 August 1914. He was not one of those rejected, mostly for defects to the teeth and one or two on account of height; he passed the medical exanimation and was sworn in. He was 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighed 138 pounds, and had a chest measurement 32-36 inches. His complexion was dark, his eyes blue and his hair light brown. His sight, hearing and colour vision were all good, his limbs and chest well formed, and his heart and lungs normal. He had false upper teeth and false lower except for the incisors and canines. He was free from diseases, vaccinated, and in good bodily and mental health. There was a small, curved scar on the outer angle of his right eye. The successful applicants were liable to be called up at any moment, and it was quite probable that they would leave Timaru in a matter of days for the central camp at Christchurch as part of the 2nd South Canterbury Regiment’s quota. David had served with the Territorial force and belonged to the 2nd (South Canterbury) Regiment. He was single and named his father as next-of-kin – John Keay, Theodocia Street, Timaru.

Mr D. S. L. Keay, who had been selected to go as Sergt.-Bugler with the Expeditionary Force from Timaru, was tendered a farewell social by the Salvation Army on 13 August at the Fortress. He had for many years been a prominent member of the Army, as an Army Bandsman and also the secretary to the local Army Corps — a responsible position which he had filled with credit to himself, and satisfaction to all. Several musical items were rendered during the evening and greatly enjoyed. In expressing the best wishes of the band to their comrade, the Bandmaster eulogised the departing volunteer as an energetic and devoted member of the Army and wished him God Speed and a safe return. “Adjutant Dawkins, in presenting a pocket testament and a devotional book from the officers and soldiers of the corps, referred to Bugle-Sergt. Keay’s work as secretary of the Corps and spoke in terms of the highest esteem of his attachment to duty and love of the Corps. He was a young man of strong and upright character, and he believed he would ever sustain those features and have a strong influence for good on his comrades in the ranks. He wished him good luck and God Speed wherever his lot was cast. Sergt.-Major Keay spoke in a patriotic strain and said he felt proud his brother had volunteered. He considered it a young man’s duty to respond to the call of King and country. It might be hard to say good-bye, but when the interests of our beloved Empire were at stake, and our liberty and freedom seemed imperilled sacrifices had to be made. Bugle-Sergt. Keay suitably responded and thanked all for their kindness to him. He would ever prize and cherish the gifts they had given, no matter where his lot were cast or what his duty might be.” Supper was served and greatly enjoyed, and the meeting terminated with the singing of “God be with you till we meet again,” the band accompanying. Sergt.-Bugler Keay was absent when the Canterbury Farmers’ Co-operative Association met also on 13 August to say farewell to eleven of their number who had volunteered for service. The general manager was sure “they must all feel proud that such a large proportion of their number were going out in their country's service.”

The South Canterbury Infantry, which included Sergeant-Bugler D. S. L. Keay, arrived in camp on the night of 17 August 1914 and quickly settled down in the quarters prepared for them. Bugler D. S. L. Keay was appointed to No. 7 Platoon, B Company (Second South Canterbury Regiment), under Captain D. Grant, at the central camp at Christchurch in mid-August 1914. And in September, he was appointed to the Regimental Band. Private D. S. L. Keay embarked with the Canterbury Infantry Battalion, Main Body, departing from Lyttelton for Suez, Egypt on 16 October 1914, and disembarking at Alexandria on 3 December.

He had dysentery at Ismailia in February 1915, the first attack lasting a fortnight. After being appointed Acting Corporal with the Canterbury Infantry Battalion on 15 February 1915, he embarked at Alexandria for the Dardanelles on 12 April 1915. Corporal Keay was admitted to the Hospital Ship “Dongola” at the Dardanelles on 2 May 1915, suffering from dysentery, and was evacuated to Egypt. Discharged, cured, on 14 May, he was transferred to the Convalescent Camp at Mustapha and was attached to the Base Depot at Alexandria. For some time, he was on light duty and, although still afflicted, he was able to carry on. Admitted to hospital again on 29 August 1915 with diarrhoea, he was discharged to Duty a week later, assistant to the Rev Green at Alexandria. A letter dated 23 May which was received by his father in early July, hints at the difficulties and tragedies faced by the men of the Main Body. “I lost my company the morning we landed, and did not see anything of them again for four days, during which time I was with a body of Australians in the trenches. If hell is any worse than what we experienced during that time, then I have no desire to go there because it was most unnerving work. You will know now all about the Timaru boys who fell, and it was an awful sight to see some of the best of our company getting picked off. We got no sleep at all in the trenches, owing to the fierceness of the battle, but I am thankful to say that I pulled through safely.” He goes on to comment on the position he then holds, not one mentioned often. “Since leaving the hospital, I have been attached to Captain Greene, and stationed at Mustapha Barracks, and my duties consist of visiting all the hospitals and making a record of the sick and wounded, and this entails a great deal of work.”

Attached to the Strength of the New Zealand Base Depot at Ghezireh (Egypt) on 18 January 1916, he was temporarily attached to the Gifts Section there for Duty on 6 February. He was admitted to the New Zealand General Hospital at Pont de Koubbeh near Cairo on 4 March 1916, suffering from influenza. Moved to the Aotea Convalescent Home at Heliopolis on 14 March, he was again admitted to the New Zealand General Hospital at Pont de Koubbeh on 16 March, still suffering from influenza and from dysentery. Keay was invalided to England, with dysentery, fibrositis and an anal ulcer, embarking at Alexandria per Hospital Ship “Salta” on 14 May 1916. He was admitted to the NZ Military Hospital at Walton on Thames (also known as Mount Felix) on 26 May. Discharged to Hornchurch on 24 June 1916, he was taken on strength at the Hornchurch Depot.

Private Keay was appointed Temporary Sergeant on 24 July 1916 whilst employed in the NZEF Gifts Section at Hornchurch. He was appointed Temporary Staff Sergeant on 29 January 1917 in the same Section. On 14 April 1917, he was promoted to Sergeant, granted the Substantive Rank of Sergeant. Ten days later, he relinquished that rank on ceasing employment with the Gifts Section. Staff Sergeant Keay had been classified unfit and placed on the NZ Roll on 5 April 1917. The Medical Report prepared at NZ Headquarters, London on 3 April 1917 gave dysentery, which resulted from infection on active service, as the cause of his disability. While at Walton he developed pain in the lower lumbar region, for which he was treated, but the pain was persistent. He had been sent to clerical duties at Headquarters, London, where he was able to carry on, with occasionally lying up for a few days. The pain persisted, however, and became worse. It was not relieved by change of position and was so severe at times that movement was difficult. There was tenderness with pressure on both sides and over the abdomen. He was still having attacks of diarrhoea. His appetite and digestion were good except during attacks. There was no constipation, but he suffered from headaches. It was recommended that he be discharged as permanently unfit for war service. The Medical Board recommended that he be sent to New Zealand as unfit for War Service for twelve months.

After serving at Gallipoli and in Egypt, and being troubled by persistent dysentery, Sergeant D. S. L. Keay was invalided to New Zealand per the “Tainui”, embarking at Plymouth on 26 April 1917 and arriving at Auckland on 6 July. The South Island men were expected to reach Lyttelton on the morning of 8 July and those for South Canterbury and Otago – D. S.L. Keay one of them - to come on, on Monday, 9 July. A welcome home basket social to Sergeant D. Keay was given in the Salvation Army Citadel in the evening of 10 July, a large number of friends and well-wishers gathering. Sergeant Keay left New Zealand with the Main Body, saw service on Gallipoli, and in Egypt, and had been in England for some considerable time. The speakers included Mrs Keay (mother of the soldier), the bandmaster on behalf of the band, and Captain Ransom on behalf of the Corps. All expressed their gladness at the return of Sergeant Keay. Sergeant Keay suitably responded. Vocal items were given, and the band played a selection. After an appetising supper, the singing of the National Anthem brought a pleasant evening to a close. David S. L. Keay was discharged on 3 August 1917, no longer physically fit for War Service on account of illness contracted on Active Service, and was awarded the 1914-1915 Star, the British War Medal and the Victory Medal. He was initially going to the C.F.C.A. at Fairlie but was later in Dunedin.

A pretty wedding was celebrated in the Salvation Army Citadel, Stafford Street, Timaru on 5 September 1917, when Sergeant D. Keay, recently returned from the front, was united in matrimony to Miss Constance Beatrice Rose (Connie), of Dunedin. The bride was attired in the regulation uniform of a Salvationist, with a white silk sash, and carried a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Mr Victor Keay, brother of the bridegroom, was best man. “The Citadel was prettily decorated for the occasion. A sheaf of telegrams from all parts of New Zealand conveyed good wishes and congratulations to the newly-wedded couple.”

A welcome home social at the Fairlie Public Hall was tendered by the Patriotic Social Committee to a number of returned men in early February 1919. These socials had been stopped at the beginning of November when the influenza epidemic visited the locality. This was the first one held on resumption. Prior to the commencement of the social the Fairlie Brass Band, under the leadership of Mr D. S. L. Keay, played a number of patriotic airs in front of the hall. A Brass Band had been started for patriotic purposes. It had its inception at the celebrations in connection with the signing of the armistice, and under the leadership of Mr D. S. L. Keay intended to continue the good work that it then commenced. In late June, the Fairlie Band, under Mr D. S. L. Keay, turned out in full force and livened the proceedings with music of a patriotic nature when a couple of returned soldiers were met at the railway station. Mr Keay was appointed secretary to the Fairlie Domain Board in June 1919, at a remuneration of £2 2s per annum.

In mid-July 1919, Mr D. S. L. Keay, for the Returned Soldiers’ Association, stated that at a recent meeting of the Fairlie branch it had been decided to support the erection of a memorial hall in the township. At the first annual meeting of the R.S.A. Mackenzie Branch in May 1920, he was re-elected secretary and treasurer. In late August 1919, Mr Keay (Fairlie) was appointed the representative of the South Canterbury Returned Soldiers’ Association on the Dominion Executive. Then in early November 1919, Mr D. S. Keay was part of a deputation from the Fairlie branch of the R.S.A. which waited on the Mackenzie County Council with a proposal to erect a club room for members of the Association. He was the spokesman and, in a well prepared statement, referred to the lack of up-to-date buildings in Fairlie which at present gave rise to two needs. First of these was the need for an up-to-date public hall, and secondly the urgent need by the R.S.A. of rooms suitable for use as club rooms. The R.S.A. suggested that both demands might be met by the erection of a public hall with suitable club rooms attached. “They felt sure that the time had arrived when a new hall should be built, as the present public hall was old and worn, and decidedly displeasing to the eye as Mackenzie County property. In conclusion Mr Keay stated that by making that request they would be placing a long felt want before the Council for consideration, and at the same time urged that the men who were spared to return from the horrors of war should be given a small consideration.” After perusing the Public Works Act, the chairman expressed the regret of the Council at their inability to move in the matter.

“The deputation thanked the Council for the patient and attentive hearing they had been given, and the clerk was instructed to write the R.S.A. embodying the Council’s decision.”

At the annual congregational meeting of the Mackenzie County Presbyterian Church held in St. Columba Church, Fairlie, on 11 August 1919, Mr D. Laing Keay moved a hearty vote of thanks and appreciation of the minister’s work during the year, and it was carried unanimously. In 1920 he was secretary of the Presbyterian Church Committee of Management. A few enthusiasts in Fairlie decided to make an effort to get together a brass hand for Armistice Day 1919, and being successful, the few kept together for patriotic purposes, with the loan of some instruments from the Timaru Salvation Army Band. By 13 October, it was decided by a public meeting to make the Band a permanent organisation, for public purposes. They had eight playing members available and several learners. They also had a good instructor available in Mr D. S. Keay, but they needed public support to back them up and meet expenses for instruments, music etc. The Band was duly formed and incorporated. Mr Keay and seven others were appointed an interim committee to appeal to the public for financial support. Subsequently the Band members met and appointed Mr D. S. Keay as conductor. Later in October Bro. D. S Keay was installed as an officer of the Mackenzie Masonic Lodge. At the postponed Children’s Peace Sports held in Fairlie in late November 1991, music was supplied by the Fairlie Pipe Band and the Fairlie Brass Band under Mr Keay.

At the annual meeting of members of the Mackenzie County A. and P. Society at Fairlie in September 1919. Mr Keay had been elected a new member of the association. In January 1920 Mr D. S. Laing Keay appeared for the first time in the secretary’s position, and there he was for the Fairlie Show in April. “He had all the arrangements well planned and carried out, and his work came in for complimentary comments on all hands.” He was re-elected secretary at the annual meeting in late September 1920. After a lapse of some six years, the Mackenzie Caledonian Society made “a most successful resuscitation” of its sports day on 29 December 1919, the secretary (Mr D. S. Keay) and the hon. assistant secretary doing the bulk of the spade work and doing it with characteristic thoroughness. He was appointed to the finance committee of the Caledonian Society in January 1920. The Fairlie Brass Band, under their conductor, Mr D. S. Keay, gave a concert in Victoria Park on behalf of the Domain Board on a Sunday afternoon in February 1920. “The fine, warm weather and the unusual privilege of hearing a band concert drew together a large audience which thoroughly enjoyed the programme. The band, which was recently formed, and has been practising diligently, has made great progress, and showed by its performance that it is a great asset to the town. It has already enlisted much public support, and a large committee of ladies is working in preparation for a big bazaar, which is to be held next month, in aid of the band. The band also played for the benefit of the school children at Silverstream on Thursday, at the school treat and prizegiving, and was accorded much appreciation and hearty cheers for its gratuitous services. By actions such as these the band is proving its public-spirited enthusiasm for its work and its great usefulness as an aid to social life.”

“A new business in any district is always a sign of progress, and so we have pleasure in drawing attention to Mr D. S. Laing Keay’s advertisement in this issue. Mr Keay has added a land and estate agency to his present business and has therefore filled a long felt want in the Fairlie district. Any properties given him for sale will have his own personal attention and he therefore solicits enquiries. Mr Keay is still carrying on the ever increasing Insurance business. He is agent for the popular Queensland Coy., and also subagent for the A.M P. Society for new business. Enquiries in reference to all business on the above lines will be welcomed by Mr Keay.” [Timaru Herald, 11 March 1920.] “We have pleasure in drawing the special attention of our Fairlie district readers to Mr D. S. Laing Keay’s change advertisement in this issue. Everybody nowadays believes in progress, and this necessary quality can justly be given to Mr Keay’s business. Starting fifteen months ago, he has been steadily working up a very sound business, and, having the agencies of such insurance offices as the A.M.P. (Life) and the Queensland Company (Fire and Accident, etc.), he is able to give the public the best service possible in every class of insurance. Mr Keay makes a specialty of going after business, not waiting for it, and is able to give his numerous clients information on the spot. Enquiries of every description will receive prompt attention.” [Timaru Herald, 1 September 1920.]

Come November 1920, Mr D. S. L. Keay resigned his position as secretary of the Fairlie Domain Board as he was leaving the district. The resignation was accepted with regret and Mr Keay was thanked for his past services. So, in December 1920, his positions on the Domain Board and on the committee of the A. and P. Association had to be filled. David Smith Laing Keay and his wife Constance moved to Dunedin where he followed quite different occupations – fruiterer and box maker. Once in Dunedin, Mr and Mrs Keay were soon involved in the Salvation Army Band. At a concert on 1june 1921, to provide funds for the band, Mrs Keay gave songs and Bro. Keay played in a cornet duo and a cornet quartet. At the 1922 Anzac service of remembrance held in the Salvation Army Citadel, Bandsman D. Keay, who had served with the forces, sang, with band accompaniment, “Come, Ye Disconsolate”. At another Salvation Army concert in late July 1924, Mr D. Keay gave a cornet solo and Mrs D. Keay a vocal solo. At the fair in September, Mrs Keay and young people workers were in charge of the Dolls and Toys stall. Bandsman Keay was part of a quartet – “Shelter of the Rock” – and again contributed a cornet solo on 6 April 1925 at a tea meeting in the Citadel, to mark the forty-second anniversary of the inception of the Salvation Army in New Zealand. In mid-July 1925, Station 4YA broadcasted a highly successful concert, the Salvation Army Band being responsible for the programme. Band Sergeant Keay contributed a duet (cornet and trombone) – “Watchman, What of the Night!”; a vocal solo – “The Bird with a Broken Wing”; a cornet solo – “Because”; and was part of an instrumental quartet – “Awake, Æolian Lyre” and Army band requests.

David and Connie’s first child – Jean - who was born in 1920 when they were at Fairlie, came to Timaru Main School in 1926 from North-East Valley School, Dunedin. She left Timaru Main for Woodville in February 1927. The second child, Allan Richmond Keay, was born in 1926. A third, Margaret Rose Keay, was born in 1932 at Woodville. When the Timaru Borough Council was sitting in late January 1927, the Mayor received a telegram from Mr D. S. L. Keay, chief accountant in the Council’s office, stating that he had been appointed Town Clerk of Woodville. He therefore forwarded his resignation. The resignation was accepted with regret. Notice was given of a sale of choice furniture and effects, at 25 Archer Street, on 15 February 1927, on account of Mr D. S. L. Keay, who was leaving Timaru. The staff of the Timaru Borough Council met in the town clerk’s office the next week to bid farewell to two of their members — Mr D. S. L. Keay, the accountant, who was leaving for the North Island to take up a town clerkship, and Miss Lon Wyatt, typist to the Electrical Department, who was leaving for Dunedin to be married. The town clerk regretted very much losing the services of both employees. He had found Mr Keay’s assistance most helpful to himself. The general manager of the Electrical Department was sorry the Timaru Council was losing the services of such a bright young man. He congratulated him on his promotion and felt sure Mr Keay would succeed in his new office. Others paid tribute to both departing guests. Mr Keay was handed a beautiful silver-mounted oak tray. Mr Keay returned thanks for the good wishes and beautiful present, which Mrs Keay, his family and himself appreciated very much. He regretted again leaving Timaru, his birthplace, but hoped he would be down this way soon and meet them all again.

As soon as December 1927, Mr D. S. L. Keay (Woodville) was appointed an honorary child welfare officer. He also became involved with the Woodville Returned Soldiers’ Association. He was president of the Woodville branch of the New Zealand R.S.A. when the Governor General and Lady Galway visited in July 1935. Later in the month, he presided over a large crowd of ex-diggers when the Woodville and District Returned Soldiers’ Association held its annual reunion. The function, which was attended by representatives of the Palmerston and Dannevirke Returned Soldiers’ Associations was the most enthusiastic held for a number of years. The president, Mr D. S. L. Keay, kept the proceedings going with a great swing. In the 1930s when D. S. Laing Keay was the Town Clerk for Woodville, he had occasion to travel south to Timaru and Dunedin on holiday and to the municipal conference. On his appointment as a Justice of the Peace in May 1935, he was congratulated by the Mayor and Borough Council. He was very active in the Woodville R.S.A. Fully 300 people sat down to tea at the annual festival of the Woodville Salvation Army Band, held in the Institute Hall in mid- May 1939, including many visiting Salvationists. Congratulations were extended to Bandmaster D. S. L. Keay and his men. Regret was expressed that, owing to indisposition, Mrs Keay was unable to be present, and she was commended for her co-operation with the bandmaster. The bandsmen provided their own uniforms, gave all their services gratuitously, and generally it was a wonderful combination. Good wishes were extended to Bandmaster Keay for the band’s progress.

At the June 1939 meeting of the District High School, it was noted that a donation of twelve volumes had been made by Mr D. S. L. Keay to the school library, which gift was greatly appreciated. An officer of H.MS. Achilles, who was a local hero, and another officer were met by a large number of residents and briefly welcomed by Mr. D. S. L. Keay on behalf of the residents of the town and district, when they visited in March 1940. As secretary of the Woodville and Districts Patriotic Society, Mr D. S. L. Keay tended to collections for patriotic purposes. In this capacity, he also spoke at farewells for soldiers and handed them mementoes from the R.S.A. At the annual meeting of No. 3 Troop (Woodvillc), “N” Squadron, Legion of Frontiersmen, in March 1940, Frontiersman D. Keay was re-elected Lieutenant for the ensuing year. Mr Keay had also taken up lawn bowls, playing out of the Woodville Bowling Club and being elected president in July 1940. Also in 1940, he was elected to the committee of the Woodville branch of the New Zealand Red Cross Society and served as secretary to the Woodville Fire Board. In August 1940, the secretary of the local Patriotic Society (Mr D. Keay) and the Mayor of Woodville met the Associate-Minister of National Service, for the purpose of conferring regarding the formation of the Emergency Reserve Corps, of which the Home Guard will form part. The proposed Woodville and districts Home Guard was the main subject of discussion at the September meeting of the Woodville Troop of the Legion of Frontiersmen. At the season opening of the Woodville Bowling Club in October 1940, the president (Mr. D. S. L. Keay) welcomed the large crowd of men and women present and wished members a successful season. “In reminding players of the famous interlude in which Francis Drake played bowls and beat the Spaniards as well, he exhorted members to do their utmost for patriotic effort and at the same time find good respite in their bowling.” “The active career of the district Home Guard unit began very auspiciously last evening [23 January 1941] in the Drill Hall. . . . . . , over 60 men filled the ranks on the order to parade, while at the same time the secretary (Guardsman D. S. L. Keay) and assistants were busy enrolling and attesting new members, this work continuing under high pressure while those on parade were being tried out in elementary exercises.”

The residents of Woodville greeted the long-awaited VE-Day with jubilation, the pealing of bells and the sounding of whistles were almost drowned by the local fire alarm shortly after the announcement from London at 1am on Wednesday. 9 May 1945. Following the announcement by the Mayor at 1.30pm and prior to his address, a parade consisting of the United Band and companies of the R S.A. and home servicemen, and others marched to the Post Office steps. At the conclusion the band played the American National Anthem and the gathering sang New Zealand’s National Anthem before proceeding to the Drill Hall, where a thanksgiving service was held. Singing was led by the band, under Mr D. S. Keay. In the evening a large crowd gathered at the Women’s Institute Hall and the Drill Hall where dancing and other amusements were enjoyed. The comedy “Musical Influenza” was staged, mrs D. S. Keay one of those taking part. Wor. Bro. D. S. Keay represented the Hawke’s Bay District at the annual Communication of the Masonic Grand Lodge of New Zealand in Auckland on 28 November 1945. Allan Richmond Keay, the only son of David and Connie, had been drawn for service in the Armed Forces in June 1944. In May 1948, Mr D. S. L. Keay, who had been town clerk to the Woodville Borough Council for the past 22 years, resigned to start business on his own account. He retired in the mid-1950s.

David Smith Laing Keay died at Dannevirke Hospital on 21 February 1959, aged 67 years. He was buried in the RSA section of Woodvill Cemetery, his funeral conducted by Captain Harris of the Salvation Army. His next-of-kin was Mrs C. B. Keay, 40 Fox Street, Woodville. He was survived by his wife, three children, and three of his five brothers and two of his four sisters. By his Will, signed in 1950, he bequeathed the whole of his estate to his wife Constance Beatrice Keay, and, if she should predecease him, then in equal shares to his children – Jean Lloyd, Margaret Rose Keay and Allan Richmond Keay. Constance died on 26 June 1979 and was buried in Woodville Lawn Cemetery, her funeral also conducted by the Salvation Army. She was survived by her three children – Jean Wilson, Allan Keay and Margaret Knight, and ten grandchildren. David and Constance had lived at the same address throughout their time at Woodville – 40 Fox Street. The musical talent of David and Christina was inherited by their family, notably a grandson Nigel, a composer and violist. In August 2012, ‘Lost Medals Australia’ received three Masonic medals dating from the 1950s which were engraved with the names D. S. L. Keay and A. R. Keay. These had belonged to David Smith Laing Keay and his son Allan Richmond Keay (Nigel’s grandfather and father). Nigel has an obituary for his grandfather and a wonderful collection of WWI photos on his website (http://dslk.nigelkeay.com).

His brother, Ernest James Keay, also served in World War One, and his brother Victor Hugh Keay enlisted. Their eldest brother, John Keay, had married secondly, in 1912, Edith Rose Bladin, a sister of John Shore Bladin who served with the New Zealand Forces and Henry William Bladin who served with the Australian Forces and died of wounds in France in 1917. Edith died at Timaru just seven months after marriage. John Keay, engine driver, 12 Bank Street, Timaru, who was called up in 1917, was drawn by lot from the Second Division, Class C in August 1918. This was probably David’s oldest brother. The janitor of the Timaru Technical School, Mr John Keay, who had been janitor of the school since its opening about 12 years ago, had found it necessary to resign his position in August 1917, owing to ill health. A representative gathering of the managers and teaching staff of the Timaru Technical School met on the afternoon of 27 August to make a presentation to Mr John Keay, the late janitor, who was severing his connection with the school. The chairman of the board made the presentation and in doing so expressed the regret of those connected with the school that Mr Keay had found it necessary to resign. He had been connected with the school from the very beginning and had taken a real interest in its welfare. Mr Keay had rendered the school long and faithful services. All owed a great deal to Mr Keay’s kindness and tact. Mr Keay could and did render a great deal of assistance to the school outside the usual duties of his office. It was hoped Mr Keay would long enjoy the use of his chair that was presented to him as a mark of the appreciation of the work he had done in connection with the school. Mr Keay on behalf of Mrs Keay and himself thanked those present for what they had said and for the chair. He had been connected with the school from the very beginning and had never been appointed to the position. He just took it, and without being told what he should do and should not do, he had done what he thought was in the best interests of the school. In December, the Timaru Main School committee noted that Mr Keay was seriously ill. John Keay died at Christchurch on 23 August 1918, the Board of Managers of both the Timaru Technical School and the Timaru Main School committee expressing deep sympathy for Mrs Keay and family. Mrs Christina Binnie Keay died on 2 September 1948, aged 91 years, and was buried at Timaru with her husband.

Sources

Auckland War Memorial Museum Cenotaph Database [21 February 2014]; NZ Defence Force Personnel Records (Archives NZ ref. AABK 18805 W5541 0062873) [15 August 2014]; NZ BDM Indexes (bdmhistoricalrecords.dia.govt.nz) [08 August 2014]; Timaru Herald, 14 December 1900, 20 December 1901, 22 April 1904, 15 December 1905, 20 April 1906, 7 December 1906, 20 April 1907, 12 May 1909, 14 December 1909, 9 November 1911, 13 January 1913, 6 February 1914, 12, 13, 14 [x 2] & 18 August 1914, 8 June 1915, 6 June 1917, 9, 10 & 11 July 1917, 21 & 28 August 1917, 7 February 1918, 21 August 1918, 5 & 8 February 1919, 11 June 1919, 15 & 19 July 1919, 18 & 28 August 1919, 13 September 1919, 13 & 20 October 1919, 8 & 29 November 1919, 30 December 1919, 22 & 27 January 1920, 14 February 1920, 11 & 27 March 1920, 6 April 1920, 18 May 1920, 31 August 1920, 1 September 1920, 2 October 1920, 20 November 1920, 21 & 28 December 1920, 1, 9 & 22 February 1927, Press, 21 & 28 August 1914, 19 September 1914, 6 July 1915, 22 March 1916, 17 September 1917, 9 March 1937, Northern Advocate, 7 June 1915, Auckland Star, 19 July 1916, NZ Herald, 19 July 1916, Otago Daily Times, 24 July 1916, 2 June 1921, 1 August 1924, 24 September 1924, 17 July 1925, Evening Star, 26 April 1922, 1 August 1924, 23 September 1924, 7 April 1925, Manawatu Standard, 2 December 1927, 20 July 1935, 6 & 22 May 1939, 2 & 28 June 1939, 15, 20 & 29 March 1940, 6 June 1940, 3 & 30 July 1940, 7, 15 & 24 August 1940, 21 October 1940, 24 January 1941, Ashburton Guardian, 1 March 1930, 16 & 27 October 1933, 23 January 1935, Dominion, 31 May 1935, Manawatu Times, 18 June 1935, 30 July 1935, 13 June 1940, Central Hawke’s Bay Press, 2 June 1948 (Papers Past) [08 & 28 August 2014; 01 & 09 September 2014; 30 March 2016; 01 March 2018; 05, 06 & 19 May 2022; 09, 10, 12 & 16 July 2025]; School Admission records (South Canterbury Branch NZSG) [08 August 2014]; Woodville Cemetery headstone images & burial records (Tararua District Council) [26 August 2014]; Probate record (Archives NZ/Family Search) [31 August 2014]; Timaru Herald, 23 February 1959 (Timaru District Library) [18 August 2016]; NZ Electoral Rolls (ancestry.com.au) [09 July 2025]

External Links

• Auckland War Memorial Museum Cenotaph record
• Military personnel file

Related Documents

• KEAY David Smith Laing - newspaper clippings (pdf, 138.2 KB updated 31-Jul-2025)

Researched and Written by

Teresa Scott, SC Genealogy Society

Currently Assigned to

TS